Shields is a 2013 graduate of Fayetteville High School and is currently a senior art major at the University of Arkansas. She attended Vandergriff Elementary, McNair Middle School and Woodland Jr. High before graduating from FHS.

Fayetteville School District Superintendent Dr. Matthew Wendt and Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Steve Clark will serve as grand marshals for the parade. Mayor Lioneld Jordan will also be in the parade on a Fayetteville Fire Department firetruck. Students from Fayetteville schools will be participating in and attending the parade as well.

Shields won the Miss America Pageant Sept. 11 and will spend the coming year traveling the country to promote her personal platform that encourages people to embrace a health eating lifestyle. She will also serve as the national goodwill ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

In the event of rain, the celebration will be held at FHS Bulldog Arena at 6:30 p.m.